Family blends tradition with sustainability

 Dallas—The Shimpi family in Dallas is honoring Ganeshotsav this year with a home celebration that combines devotion, creativity, and a message of environmental responsibility.

Their decoration theme, “Save the Ocean, Say No to Plastic,” transforms the family’s home into a seascape with an ocean backdrop, lighthouse, and marine life, while drawing attention to the global problem of plastic pollution.

The centerpiece is a set of eco-friendly tugboats crafted from cardboard by 12-year-old Rohan Shimpi. Rohan not only designed the boats but also developed the overall concept, blending cultural tradition with sustainability.

For the Shimpis, Ganeshotsav has become an annual tradition in Dallas. Each year, they celebrate with decorations that highlight not only religious devotion but also social awareness. Previous years have carried themes that honor cultural heritage while delivering messages relevant to today’s world.

By tying their celebration to environmental conservation, the family hopes to inspire others in the community. 

The Shimpis’ celebration is an example of how Indian diaspora families maintain traditions abroad. For them, Ganeshotsav is a way to connect their son to Marathi and Indian cultural roots while engaging with global challenges.

The family feels festivals like Ganeshotsav are not confined by geography. But they are universal, spreading devotion, awareness, and cultural pride across continents.

SOURCE Shimpi family